Dive Brief:
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A $1 billion expansion of Tampa International Airport has not disrupted travelers — so far, according to a survey of customers by the airport’s marketing arm.
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Part of the reason, the airport’s research chief, Kenneth Strickland, told The Tampa Tribune, is that much of the “the mayhem that’s happening” is concealed behind the walls constructed for that purpose.
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In a survey available to anyone who logs onto the airport’s free Wi-Fi system, just 1.7% of flyers said they were “negatively impacted” by airport construction. The airport is expanding its main terminal and adding a “mall-sized” rental car facility, a driverless train and an indoor/outdoor terrace, among other improvements during the first phase of a massive renovation.
Dive Insight:
In addition to the concealing walls, 22 customer service representatives are roaming the terminal to help travelers make their way around construction detours. And the airport is notifying passengers about the construction and what to expect when they arrive at the airport, via an aggressive social media campaign on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, the Tribune reported.